Top 10 ‘revenge dress’ moments that shaped pop culture

The phrase ‘hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’ was inspired by a 1697 play called The Mourning Bridge. 

And whether it’s showing an ex what they’re missing, or flaunting a newfound self-possession, celebrities have long-used their outfits to convey the a vengeful message to those who have wronged them.

While Princess Diana’s 1992 dress is a quintessential example, other legendary moments include Mariah Carey’s 1997 more revealing appearance following a separation from her ‘controlling’ ex-husband Tommy Mottola.  

Here, FEMAIL takes a look at the times these famous faces decided to show, not tell, as they reached into their karma wardrobes. 

1. PRINCESS DIANA

In a 1997 Vogue article, Princess Diana’s close friend Anna Harvey revealed that she originally feared the mini black dress was ‘too daring’

The late Princess of Wales famously wore a Christina Stambolian black ruched mini dress on the same evening King Charles confessed to being unfaithful in a television documentary in 1992.

That year, the new monarch’s BBC documentary – Prince Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role – aired to the public in an effort to restore his reputation following his divorce.

During the infamous interview, Charles admitted to journalist Jonathan Dimbleby that he had been unfaithful in his marriage – but only once it had ‘irretrievably broken down’. 

In a 1997 Vogue article, Princess Diana’s close friend Anna Harvey revealed that she originally feared the mini black dress was ‘too daring’ and planned on wearing a Valentino design to the event.

But after finding out about her ex-husband’s documentary, the insider claimed Diana wanted to ‘look like a million dollars’ on the difficult evening.

2. MARIAH CAREY

Audiences were stunned when, months after announcing her separation from Tommy Mottola, the star flaunted her legs and toned midriff in a sultry co-ord piece at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards

Audiences were stunned when, months after announcing her separation from Tommy Mottola, the star flaunted her legs and toned midriff in a sultry co-ord piece at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards

When Mariah Carey first started her career, her ensembles – while still chic – were more modest than the ones fans will be used to today.

Mariah married Tommy Mottola, 71, when she was just 23-years-old and he was 20 years her senior. Before their marriage she already was a rising star with the success of her debut namesake album. 

The couple was married from 1993 until 1998, after he discovered her in the late 1980s, as the then-head of Columbia Records. 

During their marriage, her career skyrocketed, with the success of her hit songs Hero, Fantasy, All I Want For Christmas Is You, and Always Be My Baby, among others. 

During a 2019 Cosmopolitan interview, she also candidly opened up about her and Tommy’s relationship.

‘You might want to picture a child bride,’ she said of her dynamic with Mottola, who was more than two decades her senior. 

‘There was a conscious effort to keep me as this all-American, whatever that means, girl. It was very controlled. There was no ­freedom for me as a human being. It was almost like being a prisoner.’

The style evolution began after they split. Audiences were stunned when, months after announcing their separation, the star flaunted her legs and toned midriff in a sultry co-ord piece at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards.

While a the designer of the jaw-dropping ensemble isn’t known, the iconic outfit’s thigh slit and chic strappy crop top have been remembered to this day.

In 2020, as she geared up to release her memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey , the hitmaker told an interview with CBS Sunday Morning that her marriage to the music executive was ‘like having a completely controlling father or warden’.

Mariah recalled a moment during her marriage to Tommy when she decided to leave their house with rapper Da Brat, who she was collaborating on an Always Be my Baby remix with, alongside Jermaine Dupri and Xscape. 

But at the time, even a simple outing caused ‘huge drama,’ she said.

‘I was like, yeah, let’s go for a ride because it was normal for most people to just leave their house and go literally five minutes down the street to get French fries or just take a ride,’ she said. 

3. ELIZABETH HURLEY

The English actress, 57, had dated the Four Weddings and a Funeral star for 13 years and even though their break up was reported to be amicable, the gown indeed still encapsulates the spirit of revenge dressing

The English actress, 57, had dated the Four Weddings and a Funeral star for 13 years and even though their break up was reported to be amicable, the gown indeed still encapsulates the spirit of revenge dressing

Elizabeth Hurley has had her fair share of iconic dress moments – but her appearance at West Hollywood’s Pacific Design Center in 2000 – months after her split from Hugh Grant, is a truly honourable mention in revenge dressing.

The English actress, 57, had dated the Four Weddings and a Funeral star for 13 years and even though their break up was reported to be amicable, the gown did the job of showing him exactly what he’ll be missing.

She flaunted her curves in the revealing, champagne halter neck piece, adorned with glittering designs.

However it would seem that, even years later, the famous exes are still on good terms.

In 2021, Elizabeth discussed her ‘strong’ friendship with Hugh 62, saying that they ‘went through so much together’ as a couple.

She also revealed that she thinks the best way to ‘keep good relations with your exes’ is to have respect for their current life, partners and children.

The actress told People Magazine: ‘I’m still extremely good friends with Hugh, you know, we went through so much together.

‘But I’ve been thinking, one of the most important things to keep good relations with your exes is to have a lot of respect for their current life.

‘We haven’t been romantically involved for 20 years, I think, even though we have such a strong friendship, but we’re always very aware that there are other people in our lives.’

4. KYLIE JENNER

The snaps came following allegations that her partner Travis Scott - who the reality star shares two children with - cheated on her with a former girlfriend

The snaps came following allegations that her partner Travis Scott – who the reality star shares two children with – cheated on her with a former girlfriend

It’s  not rare for the Kardashian-Jenner sisters to pose up a storm in Instagram photoshoots – but in October Kylie sent social media into a frenzy when she posted sultry snaps in a faux-leather bodysuit.

The photoshoot came following allegations that her partner Travis Scott – who the reality star shares two children with – cheated on her with a former girlfriend.

Make-up mogul Kylie posed intimately in her bedroom – using a Balenciaga bag as a prop.

Sporting a sultry look, one of the posts’ captions cheekily read, ‘in ur dreams’, prompting many to link it to the scandalous rumours. 

‘It’s giving you can’t have any,’ one user commented. 

‘Massive L on Travis, he lost a one in a million,’ another added.

Only days later, the rapper, 31, jumped onto Instagram to defend himself against the allegations. 

He quickly responded to an Instagram video posted by a woman named Rojean Kar in which the two reportedly were seen on the same music video set.

The two allegedly had a fling before the singer began dating reality star, Kylie Jenner, according to TMZ. However, Travis claimed the woman was actually an ‘uninvited guest’ on the set and additionally stated that he doesn’t ‘know this person.’ 

DailyMail.com reached out to Travis’ representatives for comment at the time.

5. KATIE HOLMES

According to Harper's Bazaar , searches for the brand increased by 217 per cent after Katie's debut of the look

According to Harper’s Bazaar , searches for the brand increased by 217 per cent after Katie’s debut of the look

Katie Holmes has had her fair share of incredible looks – but her 2019 knitwear ensemble perfectly demonstrated the very essence of a revenge ‘dress’ – looking both comfortable and confident. 

The cardigan and bralette – from label Khaite – were one of the star’s first looks weeks after news of her break-up with Jamie Foxx became public.

Needless to say, social media was obsessed with the laid-back glam, which was both sophisticated and sexy.

According to Harper’s Bazaar, searches for the brand increased by 217 per cent after Katie’s debut.

The Dawson’s Creek star looked delightfully relaxed as she basked in the last of the summer rays during a stroll in New York City.

Speaking to Vogue, the actress however admitted that she didn’t realise what a sensation it would become, revealing that she enjoyed the timeless nature of the pieces.

‘It was very comfortable and easy and I think they do such a good job with creating beautiful luxury items,’ she explained.

‘They are very accessible and classic so you can have it for a long time, and I like to shop that way. I’m not always buying new stuff and I can wear it again.’ 

6. TAYLOR SWIFT

The chart-topping singer, 32, dressed in a sensationally silver dress, which was eerily reminiscent of the gown she wore 13 years earlier

The chart-topping singer, 32, dressed in a sensationally silver dress, which was eerily reminiscent of the gown she wore 13 years earlier

The then 19-year-old Taylor was at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009, accepting the Best Female Video award for You Belong with Me

The then 19-year-old Taylor was at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009, accepting the Best Female Video award for You Belong with Me

Taylor Swift has been known for her revenge anthems – especially following her recent hits Karma and Vigilante Sh*t.

And it should surprise no one to learn that her wardrobe is no different.

The chart-topping singer, 32, dressed in a sensationally silver dress, which was eerily reminiscent of the gown she wore 13 years earlier, where Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech.

The then 19-year-old Taylor was at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009, accepting the Best Female Video award for You Belong with Me. 

Suddenly, in the middle of her speech, Kanye jumped on the stage, grabbed the microphone out of her hands and bellowed: ‘Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you and I’mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time!’

In a bid to diffuse the tension, Beyoncé later called Taylor up on stage when she won Video of the Year for Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), and allowed the country music star a moment in the spotlight. 

Taylor’s dress then – a demure, flowy number – mirrored the star’s more bold, experimental 2022 look, showing that she has not only persevered but prospered, by staying true to who she is. 

And it wasn’t just her outfit that told the haters what’s what, as she led the way for the winners while picking four gongs at Düsseldorf’s PSD Bank Dome in Germany.

She took home the Best Video and Best Longform Video award for her 10-minute version of All Too Well (Taylor’s Version), beating top global stars including Foo Fighters and Stormzy.

Her video for Taylor Hawkins Tribute concert, Wembley Stadium, London was also nominated in the Best Longform Video category. 

Elsewhere, Taylor was named the winner of the Best Artist category, the Best Pop prize, while she was also nominated in the Biggest Fans section, which was won by BTS. 

7. BEYONCE

While Sorry was the song that introduced the world to Becky With The Good Hair, Hold Up was the song that say Beyoncé unleash her fury at her, taking it out on some unlucky cars

While Sorry was the song that introduced the world to Becky With The Good Hair, Hold Up was the song that say Beyoncé unleash her fury at her, taking it out on some unlucky cars

The album explored various themes, including various references, seemingly to her marriage with rapper Jay-Z

The album explored various themes, including various references, seemingly to her marriage with rapper Jay-Z 

Nobody does fierce like Beyoncé  – and the iconic artist proved that and more, when she released Lemonade in 2016, which went on to win countless accolades.

The album explored various themes, including various seeming references to her marriage with rapper Jay-Z.

One of the songs, Hold Up, in particular drew attention – not only because of its biting lyrics but due to its electrifying music video – in which the star dons a stunning mustard yellow dress.

The ensemble is both ethereal and figure-accentuating, channelling a regal nature as Beyoncé took a bat to her surroundings in the clip, which she released on her 35th birthday.

While Sorry was the song that introduced the world to Becky With The Good Hair, Hold Up was the song they saw the singer unleash her fury at her, taking it out on some unlucky cars.

The two-part video opened with her Denial interlude poem, in a visual which saw the star float in a completely submerged bedroom, watching her sleeping self.

Segueing into the song, she opened the doors wearing the exquisite layered yellow dress as the waters gushed out behind her.

The lyrics of the track had fans wincing for both Becky and Jay-Z, and many assumed the rapper had cheated on the former Destiny’s Child star upon first listen.

‘I don’t want to lose my pride but I’m going to f*ck up a b*tch,’ she sang. ‘What’s worse, looking jealous or crazy?’.

8. BELLA HADID

Bella Hadid made a show-stopping appearance at the 2017 Met Gala

She left hardly anything to the imagination in the backless Alexander Wang number

The star (pictured left and right), 26, was no doubt determined to put on a spectacular show reminding The Weeknd of exactly what he is missing 

Bella Hadid made a show-stopping appearance at the 2017 Met Gala in a glittering catsuit – and very little else.

And the model likely had in her mind that her former boyfriend of two years, The Weeknd, would be attending the event with his then-new squeeze Selena Gomez.

The star, 26, was no doubt determined to put on a spectacular show reminding the recording artist of exactly what he is missing.

She left hardly anything to the imagination in the backless Alexander Wang number which perfectly showcased her long legs and flawless figure, completing the look with a pair of stilettos.

Luckily, though, Bella had the support of her family at the Met Gala as sister Gigi, also a model, mother Yolanda and brother Anwar were on the exclusive guest list too.

9. JENNIFER ANISTON

The star, 53, looked phenomenal in the halter neck design, looking glamorous in the champagne-hued ensemble at the premiere of her movie Derailed

The star, 53, looked phenomenal in the halter neck design, looking glamorous in the champagne-hued ensemble at the premiere of her movie Derailed

It’s difficult to forget the drama which gripped Hollywood when Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston split to make way for ‘Brangelina’.

While gossip in 2005 – when they finally divorced – ran rampant, with many pitying ‘poor Jen’, the star paid no mind to the tattle and showed showed everyone she won’t be defined by her romance in a shimmering, golden dress.

The actress, 53, looked phenomenal in the halter neck design, appearing glamorous in the champagne-hued ensemble at the premiere of her movie, Derailed. 

Jennifer showed Tinsel town – and the rest of the world – that she was still every bit the glitzy, shining gem she is without Brad on her arm. 

The dress’s simple silhouette accentuated her toned calves and she stuck to the metallic theme with golden strappy heels. 

Her golden skin complemented the look perfectly, and she looked as elegant and put together as ever with her honey tresses styled in a relaxed do.

Earlier this month the Friends star bared it all – physically and emotionally – in an interview with Allure.

She posed for a stunning shoot that saw her showing off the incredible figure in a tiny Chanel bra, while opening up about her bitter struggle to conceive children. 

Jennifer told the publication that she feels regret at not making the decision to freeze her eggs when she was younger, revealing that she ‘threw everything’ at her infertility battle, including going through IVF and ‘drinking Chinese teas’ in a desperate attempt to conceive. 

10. JENNIFER LOPEZ

Jennifer Lopez stunned last year's Venice International Film Festival in a gorgeous, figure-hugging white dress - alongside living, breathing proof of 'Bennifer 2.0'

Jennifer Lopez stunned last year’s Venice International Film Festival in a gorgeous, figure-hugging white dress – alongside living, breathing proof of ‘Bennifer 2.0’

A revenge dress is not always a break-up dress – sometimes it’s part of a whole debut. 

No one proved that better than Jennifer Lopez, who stunned last year’s Venice International Film Festival in a gorgeous, figure-hugging white dress – alongside living, breathing proof of ‘Bennifer 2.0’.

The singer and actress, 53, had weeks earlier broken off her engagement to Alex Rodriguez – but is now happily married to her famous former flame.

The pair tied the knot in Las Vegas back in July and the following month they enjoyed another lavish three-day wedding extravaganza at her new husband’s $8.9 million Georgia estate.

Their rekindled romance came two decades after their first failed engagement. 

And it would appear that it’s been happily-ever-after for the rekindled exes since, as Jennifer this month lovingly praised Ben, 50, for making her the ‘happiest’ she’s ever been in the pair’s first TikTok video together.

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